Local
More than 600 people evacuated as the Estepona, Jubrique and Genalguacil fire spreads to Benahavís
Residents in Forest Hills, Estepona were evacuated as the flames spread. / JOSELE
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Residents on two developments in Estepona, and one in Benahavís have been asked to leave their homes as a precautionary measure
The rapid advance of the Sierra Bermeja fire, which has spread through the municipalities of Estepona, Benahavís, Jubrique and Genalguacil, has forced another hundred residents to be evicted in the last few hours this Thursday, 9 September.
It brings to 600 the number of people who have had to leave their homes due to the proximity of the wildfire, which has been classed as a Level 1 emergency by the Junta de Andalucía
.The people evacuated this morning are residents of the Forest Hill and Abejeras developments, in Estepona, who are being temporarily housed in the Pabellón del Carmen sports hall in Estepona. Also, this morning, the evacuation of the Montemayor development, in Benahavís, has been ordered.
At one point dense smoke from the fire caused the AP-7 motorway to be closed for a few hours between kilometres 157 and 171 in both directions; although it was reopened at 9.30am. The MA-8301 and MA-8302 were closed, and remain closed.
The forest fire brigade, Infoca, has mobilised 250 people on the ground, that are being supported from the air by 29 planes and helicopters. Staff have been drafted in from Cadiz, Cordoba, Granada, Jaén and Seville, joining those from Malaga province.
Infoca has pointed out that the terrain is difficult, with very steep slopes and a strong west wind is blowing in the area that is making fire-fighting tasks difficult.
